August-September 2022 • Nebraskaland 43
And when there's not, you can either
wait out the crowd in the truck, hunt
the fringe, or look for another spot
altogether. All are better options than
putting you, or the hunter next to you,
in an uncomfortable situation.
My Bird or Yours
Anyone who has hunted public land
has seen a bird go down and found
themselves, and a complete stranger,
walking toward that same downed
bird. Most of the time, even when
others shoot as well, you know if you
hit a bird. In these instances when
there are two hunters and one bird,
smile. Tell the other guy you felt pretty
good about your shot. He'll respond
that he did, too. Then give him the
bird and say you'll take the next if it
happens again.
Where this situation becomes
more complicated is when hunting
waterfowl and birds are circling.
Anyone who has hunted ducks on
public land has had birds called off of
them and seen other hunters shoot
when birds were just about to cup
into your decoys. Again, be respectful.
This can be accomplished by putting
your calls in your pocket when birds
are working another group of hunters,
or even taking a few minutes and
asking the other group if they want
to alternate calling. I think you'd
be surprised at how most of these
potentially uncomfortable situations
can be quickly corrected.
For many hunters, public land is
the only option they have. And when
done correctly, it is a great option, with
plenty of room and game for everyone
and the chance for unlikely friendships
to form in the likeliest of places.
N
I met Bud Bowlin, from Palmeira, on a public dove hunt in 2016. His hunting group
often camps at the hunting location the night before to be the early bird.
